The Guitar Refinishing and Restoration ForumThis discussion forum is hosted by The Guitar ReRanch and was created to serve those interested in the arcane art/science of guitar refinishing and restoration. Those with all levels of experience are welcomed to participate.

I'm wondering if this will affect the performance of the Tru-Oil. I plan to build it up fairly thick if that makes any difference. I suppose I could use a very diluted wood dye, as opposed to black shoe polish. I think show polish is some kind of grease base.

I'm not interested in the extreme discoloration from vinegar/steel wool like a lot of people use. Like I said, I want to keep this subtle.

If anyone has any tips on doing something like this with a Tru Oil finish, I'd love to hear them!

I rubbed newsprint on one for the gray look.
A piece of newspaper with a B&W photo will leave dried up ink the raw maple as subtle as you like.
Too dark? Just sand it off easily._________________Common sense, is not so common...